WASHINGTON, DC - In an effort to help reduce juvenile crime, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today announced that Rhode Island will receive a $600,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to help strengthen the juvenile justice system and keep children out of trouble.

"I am pleased Rhode Island will receive this federal grant to help curb youth-related crimes," said Reed, a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, and Science, which oversees federal spending on law enforcement programs. "I know the state will put this federal investment to good use by focusing on efforts to prevent and reduce juvenile crime throughout the state."

The Rhode Island Justice Commission will use the funds awarded by DOJ's Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Programs (OJJDP) to maintain delinquency prevention and early intervention programs designed to identify young people who are most likely to commit crimes and to develop and implement plans to curb juvenile delinquency.

"I am pleased that Rhode Island will receive this critical federal funding," said Thomas H. Mongeau, Executive Director of the Rhode Island Justice Commission. "This money will be used for very important statewide programs that provide juveniles who are at-risk with services and help that might not otherwise be available to them."

The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention provides national leadership, coordination, and resources to prevent and respond to juvenile delinquency and victimization. OJJDP supports states and communities in their efforts to develop and implement effective and coordinated prevention and intervention programs and to improve the juvenile justice system so that it protects public safety, holds offenders accountable, and provides treatment and rehabilitative services tailored to the needs of juveniles and their families.

OJJDP prevention strategies include training for community leaders and for collecting and analyzing community risk data, guidance for developing prevention plans, and technical assistance. Other services intended to help keep juveniles out of the justice system include: tutoring, mentoring, recreational activities and leadership development activities.